Warehouse Associate

Working under the direction of the Branch Manager, the Warehouse Associate is responsible for managing all aspects of shipping and receiving and performing general warehouse maintenance and deliveries. This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

1. Oversee all aspects of warehouse operations including but not limited to stocking, shipping and receiving.
   1. Ensure all merchandise in the warehouse and showroom is accurately and thoroughly accounted for, properly labeled, and in its appropriate location(s).
   2. Ensure timely, accurate, and efficient handling of incoming shipments.
   3. Ensure timely, accurate, and efficient handling of outgoing shipments.
   4. Stage customer backorders for will-call pickups or company delivery.
   5. Fill customer orders in accordance with pick tickets, complete appropriate paperwork, and place a copy with the merchandise for shipment.
   6. Process returned good authorizations for products received from suppliers according to company procedures.
   7. Assist branch management with the handling of all warranty/freight claims and related product issues in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
2. Load delivery vehicle(s), drive and unload at customer locations
3. Develop and implement new programs to reduce shipping and warehousing costs or to increase handling efficiency and productivity.
4. Maintain a neat and orderly workplace at all times to include moving pallets, sweeping, and mopping removing/disposing of debris.
5. Maintain on a consistent and ongoing basis a clean, tidy and safe facility in conformance with all OSHA, HAZMAT, and management standards.
6. Assist sales efforts on an as needed basis including but not limited to assisting in-store customers, filling customer orders, delivery to customers, and answering telephones.
7. Assist management in its decision making when appropriate, practical, or required to run the business.
8. Other duties as many be assigned. 

Customer Service Results and Responsibilities

1. Assist sales efforts on an as needed basis including but not limited to assisting in-store customers, filling customer orders, delivery to customers, and answering telephones.
2. Answers incoming telephone calls and emails and greets customers who walk in the store.  Handles multiple customers and customer requests simultaneously while maintaining a friendly and professional manner.
3. Assists customers in making product selections by asking questions and actively listening to identify customer needs.  Assists with system or product troubleshooting and answering technical questions.  Identifies alternate or substitute products to meet customer needs.
4. Assists customers with the use of Johnstone Supply e-commerce and mobile application questions.
5. Research and sources product for customers using a variety of tools, including point-of-sale computer system, catalogs, websites, JXI, and industry and store contacts.   
6. Enters sales orders into point-of-sale computer system for invoicing or cash payments.    Processes customer returns and warranties following company guidelines.
7. Follows up promptly on all customer requests for information, quotes, alternative parts and delivery dates.  Proactively communicates with customers about any expected delays or issues with their order.
8. Develops good working relationships and rapport with customers.  Greets regular customers by name.
9. Maintains the highest standards in cleanliness and appearance of the showroom through stocking shelves, housekeeping, creating displays, etc.

10. Resolves customer complaints and disputes in a timely, professional manner that balances customer requests with business needs. 
11. Follows company pricing and credit guidelines.
    
    

General Results Responsibilities

1. Maintains knowledge of new and existing products and inventory by participating in training, studying Johnstone and industry catalogs and web sites, and seeking knowledge from experienced staff members and factory representatives.
2. Is organized and orderly, and capable of maintaining appropriate records.  
3. Completes all transactions and necessary paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.
4. May represent Johnstone Supply at trade associations, events and local chapters. 

Johnstone Supply believes that each employee’s contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities.  Therefore, it is expected that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.  

Education and Experience:  

• Required:  High School Diploma or G.E.D and minimum of two years related experience and/or training in the HVAC/R industry; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Preferred:  The above plus 2 years of experience with a wholesale HVAC/R or similar industry.  

Job-Specific Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to provide consistent, professional customer service.
• Ability to multi-task and maintain focus while prioritizing the needs of several customers at once.
• Problem-solving skills: listening to, interpreting, and meeting the needs of others; diagnosing and rectifying problems that will often require attention to detail.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of effective sales strategies and techniques.
• Ability to maintain a positive, courteous, and friendly demeanor.
• General knowledge of HVAC/R products, concepts, and the industry as a whole.  
• Skill in proactively communicating (both verbal and written) to establish mutual respect and understanding.
• Math skills, including the ability to: add, subtract, multiply, divide; and calculate margins, discounts, and percentages.
• Skill in using point-of-sale computer systems to locate information and process transactions.
• Skill in using web-based tools to research products and information.
• Ability to work productively in teams with a wide range of people.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Ability to follow written instructions and documented procedures.  

Expected Work Behaviors:

• Keeps the company’s best interest in mind when considering or addressing issues.
• Dedication to attending work and work-related functions prepared and on time.
• Maintains a professional personal appearance.
• Strives for continuous self-improvement and for improvement of the business with respect to sales and service quality. 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to either stand and walk on a hard surface or drive a delivery vehicle and load or unload the truck for the majority of the workday.   The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to lift and carry and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally required to lift up to 70 pounds.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The ability to speak and hear sufficiently to provide customer service is required.

Store Environment:  Medium to large store with shelves and bins, most work is performed with telephone, material handling equipment, computer, fax, printer, and in some cases an RF scanner.   

Safe Driving Skills                                        Sales Aptitude

Energetic                                                      Problem-Solving Skills 

Computer Skills                                            Interpersonal & Telephone Skills

Organization                                                 Time Management

Math Aptitude                                                Oral Communications Skills          Reading Skills                                              Technical Skills

Written Communication Skills                        Diplomacy

Mechanical Skills                                                                    

The Warehouse Associate will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all corporate matters including, but not limited to: marketing strategies, operational structures, pricing and all subjects that may have an adverse effect on the company in the marketplace if they were made known outside the company.